Are you craving a flavorful and satisfying chicken curry but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen? Look no further! In this article, we'll guide you through a simple and delicious 30-minute chicken curry recipe that will satisfy your taste buds and save you precious time. With a combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and creamy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So let's get cooking!
Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering 30-minute chicken curry, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tbsp rapeseed or sunflower oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 2 green chillies, 1 finely chopped, 1 sliced to serve (optional)
- 350g passata
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp chilli powder
- ½ tsp honey
- 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves
- 2 tbsp double cream
- Small handful of coriander leaves, picked, to serve
- Cooked rice, to serve
- 150g natural yogurt
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp chilli powder
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- 6 boneless and skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2.5cm pieces
Method
Follow these simple steps to prepare your 30-minute chicken curry:
Heat the oil in a large, lidded saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the grated garlic and chopped green chili. Once they start sizzling, pour in the passata and cover the saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 8 minutes.
While the passata is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, garam masala, ground turmeric, chili powder, ground coriander, and ½ tsp of salt. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix until well coated. Set aside and keep covered until needed, or marinate for up to 24 hours if time allows.
Once the passata is cooked, stir in the garam masala, ground coriander, ground turmeric, and chili powder along with 100ml boiling water. Scrape the excess marinade off the chicken and into the pan, then add the chicken pieces. Cover the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Add the honey and dried fenugreek leaves to the saucepan and mix well. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while the fenugreek leaves add a unique flavor to the curry.
To serve, drizzle the chicken curry with double cream and sprinkle over the fresh coriander leaves and sliced green chili if desired. Serve with cooked rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for a Perfect Chicken Curry
- To make the chicken curry spicier, you can increase the amount of green chili or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of green chili or omit it altogether.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the chicken curry just before serving.
- To save time, you can marinate the chicken in the yogurt and spice mixture the night before, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
- If you don't have passata on hand, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute. Simply blend them until smooth before adding them to the saucepan.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with paneer, tofu, or mixed vegetables like potatoes, peas, and carrots.
- If you prefer a creamier curry, you can increase the amount of double cream or add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce.
- Serve the chicken curry with naan bread or roti for a traditional Indian meal. You can also serve it with steamed basmati rice or fragrant jeera rice.
- Garnish the curry with a sprinkle of roasted cashews or sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.
- For a complete meal, serve the chicken curry alongside a refreshing cucumber raita and a side of crispy papadums.
Conclusion
With this quick and easy 30-minute chicken curry recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of India in no time. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and creamy sauce will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and savor the deliciousness of this homemade chicken curry.